Residents of Rusororo sector in Gasabo district recently gathered for Umuganda, a community work initiative that has become a national effort to promote a sober and healthy generation. During the event, Kigali City officials used the gathering to address concerns over illicit alcohol consumption. The community work was followed by discussions on how to build a sober generation, with a focus on promoting responsible behavior and avoiding harmful substances.
The Kigali activity brought together Health Minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, State Minister for Youth and Arts Sandrine Umutoni, and other officials. Musicians such as Bruce Melodie and Davis D also joined the residents, with performances after the Umuganda exercise. The appearances drew a strong response from participants, particularly young people, while the message accompanying the entertainment remained focused on avoiding alcohol and beverages that do not meet required standards.
In the Eastern Province, the month-end Umuganda in Mukarange sector, Kayonza district, placed young people more directly at the centre of the message. Residents worked on a 1.1-kilometre road, and RDF Chief of Defence Staff General Mubarakh Muganga joined Minister of Youth and Arts Dr Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, legislators, local leaders, and security organs in the activity. The gathering was linked to the SoberGen campaign, with youth groups Sober Green and Sober Chou from Kigali joining residents.
The event in Mukarange sector emphasized not only the dangers of substances but also encouraged young people to adopt values and behavior considered beneficial to themselves and their communities. Minister Utumatwishima stated that the Umuganda was linked to the campaign to encourage young people to avoid intoxicating substances and to embrace values and good behaviour. Artists later entertained participants after the community work, with the young audience responding enthusiastically to the music.
In Rusizi district, the message was framed around the family and the wider community. Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Dr Bizimana Jean Damascène joined residents in Gihundwe sector, Kamatita cell, where the exercise was held at the Muhali residential development site. Residents were opening roads within the housing site, while Bizimana used the gathering to speak about safe families and capable young people.
The Rusizi activity was part of the same mobilization against illicit alcohol and drug use, while encouraging young people to demonstrate responsible behavior. Bizimana emphasized that a safe family is built by avoiding illicit alcohol known as ibyuma. The campaign also sought to encourage young people to adopt values and behavior considered beneficial to themselves and their communities.
Across the four sites, Saturday’s Umuganda connected practical community work with messages directed at different aspects of public life. The initiative aimed to promote a sober and healthy generation by addressing concerns over illicit alcohol consumption, drug use, and other forms of harmful behavior. The events brought together government officials, security organs, public figures, and residents in activities aimed at improving community welfare and protecting the environment.
Key points
- The Umuganda initiative has become a national effort to promote a sober and healthy generation in Rwanda.
- The campaign encourages young people to adopt values and behavior considered beneficial to themselves and their communities.
- The initiative connects practical community work with messages directed at different aspects of public life.
